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Written question asked by Lord Kamall (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. It was answered by Baroness Sherlock (Labour) on Friday, 23 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.


Unemployed People: New Businesses

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Sherlock on 15 September (HL3068), given that of the organisations mentioned only British Bank provides start-up funding, and given that they reject large numbers of unemployed applicants, what conversations they have had with microfinance organisations that provide mentoring and loans between £500 and £5,000 to unemployed people to help start their own businesses.

Answer

As referenced in the response to HL3068 on 15 September 2026, Jobcentre Plus work coaches can provide self-employment information and support to customers and signpost them to specialist national or local organisations that provide advice, including in relation to finance, to support people to start a business.

The Department for Work and Pensions does not offer financial advice about business loans or advise customers about specific loan providers. Therefore, the department has not engaged with specific microfinance organisations that provide loans to unemployed people to help them start their own business.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL4050
Session
2026-27
Related items
Unemployed People: New Businesses
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Loans Unemployed people New businesses Microfinance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk